Denver Broncos: Full 7-round 2021 mock draft

As the Denver Broncos continue to pursue possible upgrades or changes at the quarterback position, it’s hard not to wonder what a Sam Darnold trade could look like. In a hypothetical scenario (which I explored in detail in another post here), the Denver Broncos could swap first-round picks with the New York Jets (picks 9 & 23) as well as obtaining pick number 86 in exchange for Darnold.

I want to dig deeper into that scenario and see what a possible 2021 mock draft could look like with this trade taking place.

New York Jets receive:

• Pick number 9

Denver Broncos receive:

• Sam Darnold
• Pick 23
• Pick 86

With the Broncos sitting on the clock at pick number 23, I suspect that they will have some players left on their draft board with high grades, as will many other teams. This is important as newly hired GM George Paton has a few holes to fill, nothing major currently, but next year there is a chance the Broncos could be without Kareem Jackson, Ja’Wuan James, Bryce Callahan, Kyle Fuller, and maybe even Von Miller.

It would be ignorant to ignore the fact that in his previous 14 years with the Minnesota Vikings, they developed the habit of trading and building draft capital. In last year’s draft, they had 12 total draft picks alone. Albeit, the Broncos certainly could take a player at 23 of high value and move on to pick number 40, but in this scenario, I think it is in their best interest to field calls for yet another trade. The Miami Dolphins have officially entered the chat.

The Miami Dolphins are a team on the rise, with second-year head coach Brian Flores, a talented defense, and a plethora of picks to build around second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. They are already slated to have a couple of first-round picks at number 6 and 18 overall. With their first selection, they draft former teammate of Tua to bring in some familiarity in WR Devonta Smith.

Pick number 18 rolls around, and they are smitten to bring in some protection for the lefty with Tackle Christian Darrisaw out of Virginia Tech.

At this point, GM George Paton is sitting inside the war room, contemplating on pulling the trigger on a stud running back, say Najee Harris for example. This is when the Dolphins pick up the phone and make the decision to bring another former teammate of their second-year signal caller and they offer Paton and the Broncos pick number 36 and 81 in exchange for pick number 23.

What is important to remember here is there are a few teams that are still interested in making Najee Harris a first-round selection, the Dolphins, Bills, and the Steelers. In a recent article posted on Steelers Depot, written by Dave Bryan, NFL insider Tony Pauline stated,

"Yes- like the other day, I was told both teams (Steelers & Dolphins) still rank Najee Harris highly and are considering selecting him in the first round. The other team that has moved into the mix in the Harris sweepstakes? The Buffalo Bills from the information I received. Tony Pauline via Steelers Depot"

This trade vaults the Miami Dolphins above both the Steelers as well as the Buffalo Bills and builds an offense around their second-year-quarterback, giving him every chance to succeed.

Miami Dolphins receive:

• Pick 23

Denver Broncos receive:

• Pick 36
• Pick 81

At this point, the Denver Broncos are slotted to have the following picks in the 2021 NFL Draft as well as adding quarterback Sam Darnold.

• Pick 36
• Pick 40
• Pick 71
• Pick 81
• Pick 86
• Pick 114
• Pick 152
• Pick 191
• Pick 237
• Pick 239
• Pick 253

Lets’ begin!